“Misit ergo eos Moyses ad considerandam terram Chanaan, et dixit ad eos : Ascendite per meridianam plagam. Cumque veneritis ad montes,”
“And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;”
“See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many.”
“See the land, what it is; and the people who dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;”
“and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;”
South side, which is to the north of where you now dwell. Moses enters into several details for the satisfaction of the people, though they had probably a general idea of the country and of its fruitfulness already, having lived not far off. They might not know, however, but that some part of the inhabitants might dwell in tents, instead of towns, as many of the Arabians did.
Verses 1-20 A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish in the wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears, ( Deuteronomy 1:22 ) , that the motion to search out the land came from the people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of God's wisdom. Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports and representations of sense rather than Divine revelation. We walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be of good courage. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution; but a great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful. Courage in such circumstances can only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.